Nik:  Apparently, I have a side job. I’ve had three requests in the last month to help friends go through their closets. Here’s how I do:
1. QUICK PASS. No thinking, just sorting. I organize EVERY SINGLE article of clothing by color and by style (white-sleeveless, short sleeves, long sleeves/blue-sleeveless, short sleeves, long sleeves/black-sleeveless, short sleeves, long sleeves…organizing from light to dark with every shade in between…you get the idea) The reason I sort first is because sometimes when your clothes look really neat and organized, you might end up rediscovering a shirt that you haven’t worn in forever. And hangars must all face the same way. Really. This matters.
2. Another pass. This is also a QUICK PASS. Minimal thinking. Look at every piece. If it is:
– stained – toss
– has holes – if you absolutely love it, see if it can be tailored, otherwise toss
– ill-fitting (too small or too big) – donate (I hate when people keep fat jeans or skinny jeans, I don’t think you should be motivated to get healthy by a pair of jeans in your closet-they’re wasting space.)
– haven’t worn it in one year – donate
3. One more pass. Here you should think a little. There are yes’s, maybe’s and no’s. No’s happen because you thought too much in the previous step. Again, if it doesn’t fit or has stains or holes or you haven’t worn it in a year, donate or toss. Maybe’s…why is it a maybe? Not sure how to style it? Not sure if it looks good on you? Take a selfie–the camera won’t lie. I do that alot before I buy something. It’s amazing how you think you look fab in something and then you see yourself in a photo and you’re like WAA? If you’re not sure how to style it then hang onto it. Google the piece to get outfit ideas. I do that all the time. OR if you want to, you can email me at amentoramuse@gmail.com and I can give you suggestions.
4. Get non-slip, huggable hangers. They maximize your space and they’re non-slip so clothes will stay on the hanger and not end up on the floor.
5. Do this twice a year.
Alex, remember when I took you to my guy friend’s house to help me go through his closet? And we got rid of three giant piles of stuff? And I said that I thought he would get a job now that his closet was super organized? He got a job. Started yesterday. Probably a coincidence, but I totally had the vibe that his world was about to become as sorted as his shirts. Yay.
Alex:  That is hilarious! Moral of the story, organized closet = organized life. I do have to say I love my closest now that you’ve tuned it up for me. You were right, getting ready is easier now. I’ve shed about 10 minutes off the time it takes to get ready. I know where to look when I want a blue long sleeve or a black tank top. Boo ya! Thanks again, CC. (closet cleaner)